{"id":12918,"date":"2026-01-23T15:20:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/?p=12918"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:24:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:24:10","slug":"what-are-neon-signs-made-of-glass-gas-and-led-technology-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/what-are-neon-signs-made-of-glass-gas-and-led-technology-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Neon Signs Made Of? Glass, Gas, and LED Technology Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"sws_supernormalaction\"><button on=\"tap:superwebshare-lightbox\" class=\"superwebshare_normal_button1 superwebshare-button-large superwebshare-button-default superwebshare_prompt superwebshare_button_svg\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color: #1e73be;\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"superwebshare-svg\"  fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"0\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M789.86,323.67c91.79,0,164.25-72.46,164.25-164.25S881.64,0,789.86,0S625.6,72.46,625.6,164.25c0,4.83,0,14.49,0,24.15L306.76,371.98c-24.15-24.15-57.97-33.82-96.62-33.82c-91.79,0-164.25,72.46-164.25,164.25s72.46,164.25,164.25,164.25c38.65,0,72.46-14.49,96.62-33.82L625.6,821.26c0,9.66,0,14.49,0,19.32c0,86.96,72.46,159.42,159.42,159.42s159.42-72.46,159.42-159.42s-67.63-159.42-154.59-159.42c-33.82,0-67.63,9.66-96.62,33.82L374.4,526.57c0-9.66,0-19.32,0-24.15s0-14.49,0-24.15l318.84-188.41C717.39,314.01,751.21,323.67,789.86,323.67z\" \/><\/svg><span>Share<\/span><\/button><\/div><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Neon signs have evolved from glowing 20th-century advertisements to iconic pieces of modern design. But what gives them their famous glow? The answer depends on the type: traditional\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/tag\/led-neon-lights\/\">real neon lights<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or contemporary\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/tag\/led-neon-lights\/\"><strong>LED neon lights<\/strong><\/a>. Understanding the materials and craftsmanship behind each reveals why they look, feel, and perform differently.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/neon-signs.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12288 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6061.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1178\" height=\"1394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6061.jpeg 1178w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6061-254x300.jpeg 254w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6061-865x1024.jpeg 865w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6061-768x909.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1178px) 100vw, 1178px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Anatomy of a Traditional Glass &amp; Gas Neon Sign<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Often called &#8220;real&#8221; or &#8220;classic&#8221; neon, this method is where the technology began. It&#8217;s a true craft, involving specialised glasswork and physics.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Tube: Borosilicate Glass<\/strong><br \/>\nThe journey starts with hollow tubes made from borosilicate glass\u2014the same heat-resistant material used in laboratory equipment. A skilled glassblower (a &#8220;neon bender&#8221;) carefully heats these tubes over a fire, bending them by hand into precise letters or shapes based on a pattern. This requires remarkable skill, as each bend must be exact to ensure uniform light.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Glow: Rare Noble Gases<\/strong><br \/>\nOnce shaped, the tube is sealed and evacuated of air. It is then filled with a small amount of one or more\u00a0<strong>noble gases<\/strong>\u00a0at low pressure. The specific gas determines the colour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Neon (Ne):<\/strong>\u00a0Produces the classic, bright orange-red glow.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Argon (Ar):<\/strong>\u00a0Emits a soft lavender light. When mixed with a drop of mercury and coated with a phosphor powder inside the glass, it can create blues, greens, and whites.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Other gases like\u00a0<strong>Helium (yellow-gold), Krypton (pale white)<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>Xenon<\/strong>\u00a0are used for more specialised colours.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Power: High-Voltage Electrodes<\/strong><br \/>\nMetal electrodes are sealed at each end of the tube. When connected to a\u00a0<strong>high-voltage transformer<\/strong>\u00a0(typically 2,000-15,000 volts), the electrical current ionises the gas inside, causing it to emit a steady, vibrant light. The buzz or hum sometimes heard is from this transformer.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/neon-signs.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12009 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/smithersofstamford-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/smithersofstamford-2.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/smithersofstamford-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/smithersofstamford-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/smithersofstamford-2-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Modern Alternative: LED Neon Flex Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">LED neon is a revolutionary technology that replicates the neon look with entirely different materials. It\u2019s often called &#8220;flex neon&#8221; or &#8220;faux neon,&#8221; but high-quality versions offer a convincing and practical alternative.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Housing: PVC or Silicone Jacket<\/strong><br \/>\nInstead of glass, the light source is housed in a durable, flexible plastic (usually PVC or silicone) extrusion. This creates a soft, rope-like tube that can be cut and shaped more easily than glass, allowing for intricate designs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Light Source: Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)<\/strong><br \/>\nInside this plastic channel, bright\u00a0<strong>LED chips<\/strong>\u00a0are mounted along a flexible circuit board. Modern LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient and capable of producing a vast spectrum of saturated, vibrant colours simply by adjusting their output.\u00a0<strong>RGB LEDs<\/strong>\u00a0can even change colour dynamically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Power: Low-Voltage Drivers<\/strong><br \/>\nLED neon runs on low-voltage DC power (usually 12V or 24V), supplied by a small, cool-running driver. This makes it inherently safer to handle and install, uses up to 70% less energy than traditional neon, and generates almost no heat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Glass &amp; Gas vs. LED Neon: A Neutral Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<th>Traditional Glass &amp; Gas Neon<\/th>\n<th>Modern LED Neon Flex<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Hand-bent borosilicate glass<\/td>\n<td>Flexible PVC\/silicone extrusion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Light Source<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ionised noble gases (Ne, Ar, etc.)<\/td>\n<td>Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Feel &amp; Texture<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Hard, rigid, glass. Warm to the touch.<\/td>\n<td>Soft, flexible, plastic. Cool to the touch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Light Quality<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Organic, diffused, slightly flickering glow.<\/td>\n<td>Bright, even, consistent colour output.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Durability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Fragile; glass can break. Sensitive to weather.<\/td>\n<td>Highly durable; waterproof, suitable for outdoors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Energy Use<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Higher; requires a high-voltage transformer.<\/td>\n<td>Very low; runs on a low-voltage driver.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Customisation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Requires expert glassblowing; superb for unique shapes.<\/td>\n<td>Easily cut and shaped; excellent for complex logos.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Choosing the Right Material for Your Project<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The best choice isn&#8217;t about which is &#8220;better,&#8221; but which is\u00a0<strong>more suitable<\/strong>\u00a0for your specific needs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Consider Traditional Glass Neon if:<\/strong>\u00a0You seek an\u00a0<strong>authentic, handcrafted heritage piece<\/strong>\u00a0with that classic, warm glow. It\u2019s ideal for indoor installations where its artistry can be appreciated, for specific vintage colours (like true neon red), and for projects where the craft itself is part of the value.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Consider Modern LED Neon if:<\/strong>\u00a0Your priority is\u00a0<strong>durability, energy efficiency, and versatile installation<\/strong>. It\u2019s the clear choice for outdoor signs, complex multi-colour designs, renters who need removable pieces, or projects with stricter safety and budget considerations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>The Final Word<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Both traditional and LED neon signs have a rightful place in modern design. The glass and gas method is a revered craft, producing timeless pieces with a soulful glow. LED technology is an innovative, adaptable solution that has made the neon aesthetic more accessible and practical than ever.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Understanding these materials is the first step in appreciating\u2014or commissioning\u2014a piece of illuminated art.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">*&#8212;*<br \/>\n<em>Smithers of Shoreditch handcrafts both traditional gas and modern LED neon signs in London.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/neon-signs.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Explore our custom design service to bring your idea to light<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"sws_supernormalaction\"><button on=\"tap:superwebshare-lightbox\" class=\"superwebshare_normal_button1 superwebshare-button-large superwebshare-button-default superwebshare_prompt superwebshare_button_svg\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color: #1e73be;\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"superwebshare-svg\"  fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"0\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M789.86,323.67c91.79,0,164.25-72.46,164.25-164.25S881.64,0,789.86,0S625.6,72.46,625.6,164.25c0,4.83,0,14.49,0,24.15L306.76,371.98c-24.15-24.15-57.97-33.82-96.62-33.82c-91.79,0-164.25,72.46-164.25,164.25s72.46,164.25,164.25,164.25c38.65,0,72.46-14.49,96.62-33.82L625.6,821.26c0,9.66,0,14.49,0,19.32c0,86.96,72.46,159.42,159.42,159.42s159.42-72.46,159.42-159.42s-67.63-159.42-154.59-159.42c-33.82,0-67.63,9.66-96.62,33.82L374.4,526.57c0-9.66,0-19.32,0-24.15s0-14.49,0-24.15l318.84-188.41C717.39,314.01,751.21,323.67,789.86,323.67z\" \/><\/svg><span>Share<\/span><\/button><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ShareNeon signs have evolved from glowing 20th-century advertisements to iconic pieces of modern design. But what gives them their famous glow? The answer depends on the type: traditional\u00a0real neon lights\u00a0or contemporary\u00a0LED neon lights. Understanding the materials and craftsmanship behind each&#133;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1406,"featured_media":12686,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[895,1258],"class_list":["post-12918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home","tag-led-neon-lights","tag-real-neon-lights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.0 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Are Neon Signs Made Of? Glass, Gas, and LED Technology Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Curious about how neon signs work? We explain the materials and science behind both traditional glass &amp; gas neon signs and modern LED neon lights. Your guide to the craft.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/what-are-neon-signs-made-of-glass-gas-and-led-technology-explained\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Are Neon Signs Made Of? Glass, Gas, and LED Technology Explained\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Curious about how neon signs work? We explain the materials and science behind both traditional glass &amp; gas neon signs and modern LED neon lights. 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